Assalamu alaykum,

Ramadan Mubarak! Alhamdulillah, we are blessed to have been able to witness Ramadan again this year. Thanks to lifting restrictions, many of us will be able to gather at the masjid this year to take part in Taraweeh prayers, weekend Iftars and daily worship. However, keeping ourselves and those around us safe is our top priority.  

In this blog post we are going to highlight what our congregation needs to know about Ramadan at Masjid ar-Rahmah.

Attending the Isha & Taraweeh Prayers

Guidelines for Parents and Children

1. We will be offering a Child Night Care program during Taraweeh prayers on Friday-Sunday nights this year, for children between 4 – 8 years old
2. Children under the age of 8 who will not be praying must be accompanied by their parents or a responsible guardian (aged 18) in the community hall downstairs.
3. Parents’ of the children caught playing in or jamming the elevator will be fined $1,500. The elevator is not a toy, but an important tool to increase accessibility for those who need it.
4. Children should be escorted to the washrooms by their parents or guardians and supervised at all times.

Iftars

1. This year, Iftars will only be provided on the weekends (Saturday and Sunday). Iftar will be served in the community hall.  
2. Please clean up after yourself during iftar times and avoid wasting food.
3. We ask that you please not take any food for others such as friends or family members. It is important that all our attending members are able to eat.

To see the timing for Iftar and suhoor in Ottawa, download this printable Prayer time table.

Prayer Hall Etiquette

1. Please do not bring any food or drink (except water) into the carpeted areas. We encourage people to bring their own water bottles that can be refilled at the masjid to reduce plastic waste.  
2. We encourage you to help us keep the masjid clean by picking up after yourselves and keeping the washrooms clean.
3. Please avoid misuse of elevators by prioritizing those who need it and not leaving the doors open for extended periods of time.
4. Please do not crowd when leaving the masjid for the safety of the elderly and children.
5. We encourage parents to invite their adolescents to join us for Isha and taraweeh prayers indoors.
6. Strictly no smoking or loitering outside the masjid.

This year, the month of Ramadan holds even greater significance as we come together in worship and community. As humanity witnesses unprecedented loss of life, forced displacements, and immense suffering in Palestine, Sudan, and across several other countries, we are reminded of our duty to keep them in our prayers and extend our generosity.

We urge our congregation to make dua for the people of Gaza and all innocent victims of conflicts, injustice, and natural disasters. May Allah (SWT) ease their suffering, grant them strength, and keep them steadfast during these challenging times.

Important Reminders

1. Please remember to listen and respect our volunteers, who are working hard to ensure we can continue to gather every night in a safe manner. Disrespectful language, harassment and abuse towards our volunteers will NOT be tolerated.
2. When entering and exiting the masjid, please follow the directions of our volunteers and do so in an orderly manner to avoid crowding.
3. We encourage our congregants to walk to the masjid or carpool if possible. When parking, follow the directions of our volunteers and do so in a quiet manner to not disturb our neighbours.
4. If the masjid parking lot is full, please avoid using the plazas and use the free parking map to find a location that works best for you.

Public Health Guidelines

We’re blessed to spend another Ramadan at the Masjid. Bearing this in mind, please remain considerate of your community and stay home if you are feeling ill. Please do not come if to the masjid if you are experiencing any of the following:

1. Cough
2. Fever
3. Chills
4. Sore Throat
5. Runny Nose
6. Nausea
7. Stomach Pain
8. Experiencing change in taste/ smell
9. Pink Eye
10. Muscle Aches

Caring for the well-being of our community is an important Islamic principle. As narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

“Do not put a patient with a healthy person”

Reference: Sahih al Bukhari (Book 76, Hadith 85)